8 I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument, 9 also that the women should dress themselves in moderate clothing with reverence and self-control, not with their hair braided or with gold, pearls, or expensive clothes, but with good works, as is proper for women who profess reverence for … Read More
Getting Involved in Spiritual Transformation, Part 2 of 4
“…but their delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law they meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:2, NRSV Stepping away from polluting voices is the first step in getting involved in spiritual transformation, but it’s only the beginning. We need something to take the place of those polluting voices; that is, something that will strengthen our … Read More
Five Essentials of Spiritual Growth
On Sundays in many churches, personal use of a Bible in any form is unnecessary. Congregants know little of its contents and, barring a possible Sunday school or confirmation class, there’s insufficient training on how to handle it correctly. One mom scornfully described the classes of her own children’s church experience as “God loves you. Draw a tree.” Churches like … Read More
Expository Preaching and the Future of Christianity, Part 2
“The ultimate healing of the world’s hurt is not to be effected by legislation but by the redeeming grace of God, and the proclamation of that redeeming grace is the highest work to which any man can be called.” – Congregational minister, J.D. Jones[1] As we said last week, expository preaching is essential to building individuals and families that love … Read More
Expository Preaching and the Future of Christianity, Part 1
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? Romans 10:14, ESV Last week, I talked here about the future of Christianity and how it’s tied to the importance of “moms and dads … Read More
Reading, Snuggles, and the Future of Christianity
Note: This post is a re-purposed and expanded version of “For the Love of Books,” and commemorates my son, Timothy, and daughter, Emily’s, graduations this week: Tim from Villanova where he got two Masters, one in English Literature and one in Theology, and Emily who became a registered nurse, receiving her RN from Rowan College. Very proud of them! In … Read More
The Best Christian Books I’ve Ever Read
These lists in no way represent the “best” Christian reading there is. Nor are they meant to be comprehensive. There are tons of great books—even classics like Augustine’s Confessions—that I haven’t, should, and hope to read. What follows represents only those distinctively Christian books I have found to be the most helpful to date. It’s my hope that one or … Read More
Why Reading is So Important
***This is the last in a four-part series and has been updated with recommendations for teens.[1] It was originally written in September 2009 for my children. Dear Emily, Matt, and Tim, I know I harp on you more often than you would like about not reading enough, watching too much TV, or spending hours playing video games. I also know you … Read More
Reading the Classics to Your Kids (& Grandkids!)
***This piece, the third in a four-part series, has been updated, but was originally written in October 2004. It is dedicated to my sister, Victoria Austen-Moon (pictured below) who has a Master’s in Creative Writing and was a voracious reader before her accident in 2012. Unfortunately, this is the only piece we ever collaborated on. Part of raising children who … Read More
How to Enjoy Reading More
***This article is the second in a four-part series. I can build a bookcase better than most (yeah, that’s me over 20 years ago!), but I hang my hat with those who identify as “slow readers.” Often, I must read something over several times to understand it. Nevertheless, I have come to love reading. Yes, enjoying reading more is a … Read More
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